In 2020, Ostinato Record released the album Super Somali Sounds from the Gulf of Tadjoura by 4 Mars. The recordings were found in a massive archive located in the African nation of Jibuti (Djibouti).
The music of Jibuti supergroup 4 Mars reflects the crossroads of the Gulf of Tadjura region. The band combined Egyptian and Yemeni rhythms, Sudanese musical forms, Somali Dhaanto rhythms, reggae, Bollywood influences and American jazz and funk. 4 Mars was a large ensemble that included 40 members: actors, singers, dancers, and musicians.
The band’s name, Quatre Mars in French, relates to the 4th of March (1977), the founding date of The People’s Rally for Progress, the political party in charge of Jibuti since independence from France. 4 Mars was the party’s band.
Jibuti’s leaders saw music, and 4 Mars particularly, as the ideal soundtrack to an independent era. Almost all music was controlled by the state. However, it is not propaganda music.
Super Somali Sounds from the Gulf of Tadjoura was compiled from master tapes and reels. All recordings were made in Jibuti’s Radiodiffusion-Télévision de Djibouti (RTD) and during live performances at the national theater between 1977 and 1994. The licensing deal was authorized by both RTD and The Palace of the People, which founded and oversees 4 Mars.
Buy Super Somali Sounds from the Gulf of Tadjoura
Author: World Music Central News Room
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